Newt Climbing a Toad and Badger Photo special

Last night (Friday) was one of those nights in the garden that turned out to be quite special. It started down at the front of the garden where I spotted a toad just outside the back door. It took a second glance to see exactly what was going on. The toad was reaching up towards a raised step, and a newt was using the toad as a climbing frame!

The newt eventually scrambled up to the higher level, while the toad decided on an easier route.

While all this was going on, a badger had emerged unnoticed at the back of the garden. I’ve no idea how long it had been there, but it was well settled in and allowed me to photograph it for around quarter of an hour. With care I was able to move around slightly, which is significant progress, though it was still quite jumpy if I made any sharp noise (such as standing on a twig). This is a small selection.

It eventually wandered off when some fox calls came from nearby. I didn’t see any foxes last night, but there’s always a chance one will show up. For now though it seems the badgers (there are at least two of them, though only one in this sequence) have taken claim of the garden.

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM lens.